DRAGONS coach Mike Ruddock is hoping tonight's trip to Scotland will help his side in their quest for Heineken Cup rugby next season.

Ruddock takes his side to tackle the Borders at Netherdale, knowing a victory will help fulfil the region's primary objective of this season.

The Dragons have been the surprise package of the Celtic League so far and lie in fourth place with a game in hand over third-placed Edinburgh, who are not in action this weekend.

But Ruddock has always maintained the initial ambition is to ensure Heineken Cup rugby next season by finishing as one of the top four regions in the Celtic League this season.

With Cardiff Blues losing to the Celtic Warriors last weekend and falling adrift of the other Welsh sides, Ruddock knows tonight is an ideal opportunity to inflict more misery on the capital side.

"This is a target game for us," insisted Ruddock.

"If we lose, it won't be the end of the world, but we have set out to win this and it's important to keep our place in the league.

"Cardiff Blues have dropped back and, if we get a result, it gives us space and goes a long way towards securing Heineken Cup rugby next season."

Struggling Borders are one off the bottom of the table and the Dragons will be expected to pick up a rare away victory.

But Ruddock believes their league position is not an accurate reflection of their ability.

"Borders are well organised and not as bad as their league position suggests," said Ruddock.

"They outscored Leinster three tries to one and beat Cardiff.

"But we're confident and intend attacking them in the pack which is our biggest strength.

"We'll attack them in the set pieces and try to find holes in their backline.

"It's going to take a big performance and we'll have to work hard, but we're capable of doing it.

"This is the sort of game that we need to be winning on a consistent basis if we are to progress as we want to."

Lock Michael Owen will start for the first time in Dragons colours tonight after recovering from a back injury.

Ian Gough drops down to a replacements bench which also includes captain Andy Marinos.

The Borders will be without former Scottish and British Lions outside-half Gregor Townsend, who this week severed his ties with the region after signing a lucrative deal with Super 12 side Natal Sharks.